Sunny Afternoon extends West End stay

Sunny Afternoon is yet to even open in the West End but today The Kinks musical has announced it has extended its booking period until 31 January at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

The production’s extension means that fans of the English rock band who want to see the Davies brothers’ hits on stage now have an additional two months of performances to choose from.

The musical, which takes in the euphoric highs and agonising lows of this legendary group against the backdrop of a Britain caught between the conservative 50s and swinging 60s, premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in May this year. It was described by Official London Theatre’s Charlotte Marshall as “A joyful explosion of rock ‘n’ roll, passion and drive that will have you on your feet and dancing before you can say La La La La Lola….”

The production will begin its run at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 4 October, with the show’s original cast members John Dagleish, George Maguire, Ned Derrington and Adam Sopp reprising their roles as the four band members.

For its West End transfer, the venue’s auditorium will be re-configured to include a catwalk extending into the auditorium and cabaret-style tables in the stalls area.

Directed by the Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director Edward Hall with a book by Joe Penhall, the musical features many of The Kinks’ well known hits including You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset and Lola.

Sunny Afternoon will open at the West End venue following Lucy Bailey’s revival of The Importance Of Being Earnest, which comes to the end of its run on 20 September.